Ornamental grille

ABSTRACT

A plurality of adjacent hexagonal grille frame elements are located in a common plane and each have a major surface area resembling a square two opposite sides of which merge with respective triangles having free tips. Each of the elements is provided at the respective free tip with an arcuate recess extending inwardly in direction toward the respective other free tip and which has an open side facing similar recesses in adjacent ones of the elements to define with these similar recesses a passage through the ornamental grille. Connecting elements extend through these respective passages and connect the adjacent elements together.

United States Patent [1 1 Oepping ORNAMENTAL GRILLE [75] Inventor: Wilfried Oepping, Krichlengern,

Germany [73] Assignee: Kunststoff GmbH, Herford, Germany [22] Filed: Oct. 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 411,590

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 26, 1972 Germany 2252553 [52] US. Cl. 52/663; 52/507; 403/217; 52/581 [51] Int. Cl. E04C 2/42; E04B 1/38 [58] Field of Search 52/660, 663, 665, 669, 52/583, 473, 581, 507; 403l2l7-2l9 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,039,574 6/1962 Miller 52/663 3,323,820 6/1967 Braccini 403/218 3,585,771 6/1971 Pinniger 52/583 [111 3,906,698 [4 1 Sept. 23, 1975 3,593,474 7/1971 Neels 52/239 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 600,927 8/1934 Germany 52/665 722,310 7/1942 Germany 403/218 Primary Examiner-James L. Ridgill, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmMichael S. Striker [5 7] ABSTRACT A plurality of adjacent hexagonal grille frame elements are located in a common plane and each have a major surface area resembling a square two opposite 15 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of 7 3,906,698

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 2 of7 3,906,698

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 3 of7 3,906,698

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 4 of7 3,906,698

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 I Sheet6 of7 3,906,698

US Patgfnt Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 7 of7 3,906,698

ORNAMENTAL GRILLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ornamental grille which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved ornamental grille which is inexpensive to manufacture and therefore to sell.

An additional object of the invention is to provide such an ornamental grille which is composed of a plurality of individual grille elements, and which permits assembly of these grille elements in various different The ornamental grille according tothe present invention can be so assembled, especially if the aforementioned plates or wall are provided, that the flow of air ways to obtain different ornamental appearances for the grille.

In keeping with the above objects, and with others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of the invention resides in an ornamental grille which, briefly stated, comprises a plurality ofadjacent hexagonal grille elements located in a common plane and each having a major surface area resembling a square two opposite sides of which merge with respective triangles having free tips. Each of the elements is provided at the respective free tip with an arcuate recess which extends inwardly in direction towards the respective other free tip and which has an open side facing similar recesses in adjacent ones of the elements so as to'define with these similar recesses a passage through the ornamental grille. Connecting means extends through the respective passages and connects the adjacent elements together so as to form the ornamental grille according to the invention.

It is advantageous if the connecting means is in form of screw or bolt connections, so that theadjacent grille elements can be threadedly connected. According to one embodiment edge portions of the grille elements in the region of the respective recesses may be provided with notches, and the head of the respective connecting bolt, the nut cooperating with the bolt, or both may be provided with projections which may, but need not be, integral with them and which extend into these notches. This provides for greater stability of the grille structure; It is also possible to provide these projections on washers or the like which are interposed between the grille structure and the head, or between the grille structure and the nut.

It is advantageous if the grille elements are hollow, because this provides a-saving inmaterial and makes the elements light in weight. However, one or both major sides of the grille elements may be provided with transparent or translucent plates overlying these sides, or intermediate the'sides a centralsubstantially plateshaped wall maybe provided.

in a room or outside a room or building can be influenced with the grille.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in con nection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a grille element according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of a grille assembled from a plurality of the elements shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view on a smaller scale, showing a somewhat different grille element;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing still a further grille element;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary exploded view, on an enlarged scale, showing the connection between adjacent grille elements according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a partly sectioned detail view showing different connecting means for connecting adjacent grille elements;

FIG. 7 is a sectioned view, showing still further connecting means;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. embodiment of a grille element according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of the portion of FIG. 8 which is located within the brokenline circle IX;

FIG. 10 shows a portion of the element in-FIG. 8, severed from the-remainder of the element;

FIGS. 11-17 are somewhat diagrammatic plan views, showing different ornamental grilles assembled from the elements shown in FIGS. 1 and 10;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of a grille element according to the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view, showing an assembly of several grille elements of still another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing now the drawing in detail, and referring first to the embodiment in FIG. 1, it will be seen that the novel grille frame element illustrated therein is of hexagonal configuraion. The major surface area of the grille element 1 has a substantially square portion 2 which merges at two oppsite sides thereof with respective triangular portions 3, 4. The dimension 0 identifies the length of the sides of the square 2 and of the hypotenuse of the triangles 3, 4.

The tips of the triangles, the corners where the square portion 2 merges with the triangular portions 3, 4. and the sides of the square portion 2 which extend from one to the other of the triangular portions 3, 4, are all provided with arcuately curved inwardly directed 1, illustrating a further recesses 5 which, when they face similar recesses of adjacent ones of the elements 1, as shown in FIG. 2, form passages through which connecting elements can be extended to connect the elements together. To prevent the grille elements from becoming unduly weakened in the region where the lateral sides are provided with the recesses 5, the grille element 1 is formed with ornamental members 6 extending inwardly and being of any desired configuration, for instance the one illustrated or any other desired one.

In the region of the triangular portions 3, 4 the hexagonal grille elements 1 are provided in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 with reinforcing webs or portions 7 which are of arcuate configuration. Similar rein forcing portions or webs 7aare shown to be of straight configuration in FIG. 3, and of angular configuration in FIG. 4 where they are identified with reference numeral 7b.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show exemplary embodiments of connecting means for connecting the adjacent grille elements together. As FIG. 5 shows by way of example, edge portions of the grille elements may be provided in the regions of the recesses 5 with notches 8 of the illustrated part-circular configuration or of any desired other configuration, into which projections 9, 10 or 1 1 of the connecting elements can extend (compare FIGS. 5-7 to provide for a more rigid mechanical connection of adjacent grille elements with one a nother.

In FIG. 5 a screw connection is provided, the screw or bolt having a head 12 which is formed with an annular projection 9 adapted to extend into the notches 8, and a similar projection 9 can be formed on the nut 13 which cooperates with the threaded stem of the screw.

In FIG. 6 the screw is identified with reference numeral l4 and the nut with reference numeral 15. Here, the head of the screw and the nut have interposed between themselves and the hexagonal grille elements 1 respective washers 16, 17 on which the projections 10 are formed which are to extend into the notches 8.

A further possibility is shown in FIG. 7, wherein the nut (the screw is not shown) is identified with reference numeral 18 and provided with a recess 19 into which a profiled washer 20 extends, having a projecting edge portion 11 which is to be received in the respective notches 8.

It will be appreciated that the grille elements can be connected not only at their various corners, but also intermediate these corners. The connection intermediate the corners can be established with a frame 21 (see FIG. 2) which can be a partial frame or a complete frame surrounding the ornamental grille assembled from a plurality of adjacent ones of the hexagonal grille elements. To establish such a connection, brackets 22 are placed onto the frame 21, for instance so that they embrace it, as shown in FIG. 2, and they are formed with recesses 23 corresponding to the recesses 5, and may be formed with notches 24 corresponding to the notches 8. The recesses 23 can cooperate with recesses 5 of adjacent ones of the grille elements 1, to again form passages through which the various threaded connectors can be extended. It is not necessary to fixedly connect the brackets 22 with the frame 21, since their position on the frame will be fixed due to their connection with the ornamental grille assembled from the grille elements. The latter may, but need not, be made of synthetic plastic material, although this is a currently preferred material, especially a synthetic plastic foam material such as polyurethane foam or the like. The grille element, and the grille assembled from the same, is stable even if made of synthetic plastic material.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show that if the grille element is provided with weakened portion 26 located as shown in FIGS. 8-10, it is a simple matter to sever triangular parts 25 from the grille element, and to discard the remainder of the element. These triangular portions 25 can then be combined with grille elements of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 to assemble various different ornamental grilles. This particular construction has the advantage that only a single type of grille element need be produced, requiring only a single type of mould, rather than having to produce the grille element of FIG. 1 and additionally to produce triangular grille elements such as those shown in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 11, 12, 16 and 17 show ornamental grilles assembled exclusively of the grille elements 1 shown in FIG. 1, with the aid of appropriate connectors. It will be clear from a consideration and comparison of these FIGS. that the invention provides for a very substantial variety in the ways in which the grille elements can be assembled.

The grilles shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 are assembled from combinations of the grille elements 1 of FIG. 1 and the grille elements 25 of FIG. 10. Here, again, it will be seen that various different configurations and appearances can be obtained by differently combining the various grille elements with one another.

If it is desired that the ornamental grille provide some protection against the elements, such as wind or rain, or to make it impossible to look through the grille, at least through the individual grille elements if not through the spaces between them, then cover plates or center wall portions can be provided.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment wherein the grille element 1 may be provided on one or both sides (shown only for one side) with a cover plate 28. This may for instance be of translucent or transparent material, such as synthetic plastic and is advantageously provided with recesses 29 which can cooperate with the recesses 5 to permit the passage of the connecting elements, and with projections 30 which extend into the notches 8 of the associated element 1. Evidently, the plate 28 need not be transparent or translucent, but could instead be opaque.

FIG. 19, finally shows another embodiment wherein the grille elements are identified with reference numeral 31 and are made of synthetic plastic foam material, for instance a polyurethane foam or the like. Here, the grille elements are provided substantially midway between their opposite major sides with a substantially plate-shaped wall 32 which is connected with or of one piece with their circumferential wall and provided with ornamental shapes 33, 34 on one or both of its sides. These shapes 33, 34 of course also serve as reinforcements for the wall 32. The connection of these grille elements 31, or of the ones shown in FIG. 18, is carried out in the same manner as previously described.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an ornamental grille, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. An ornamental grille, comprising a plurality of adjacent hexagonal grille frame elements located in a common plane, each of said grille frame elements consisting of a hexagonal wall composed of two opposite parallel lateral wall portions of predetermined length located at a distance from each other which is equal to said predetermined length, and two pairs of end wall portions at the opposite ends of said opposite parallel lateral wall portions, the end wall portions of each pair being of equal length and inclined towards each other and forming a right angle with each other, each of said hexagonal grille frame elements being provided at least at all six corners thereof with an arcuate recess which extends inwardly in direction of said hexagonal wall and which has an open side facing similar recesses in adjacent ones of said elements defining with said similar recesses a passage through said ornamental grille; connecting means extending through the respective passages and connecting said adjacent elements together in an interlocked relationship forming said ornamental grille; and a plurality of ornamental reinforcing portions, each extending between respective ones of said adjacent end wall portions and reinforcing the latter, said reinforcing portions providing different aesthetic appearances depending upon the ways in which said frame elements are interlocked.

2. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein of one said reinforcing portions is a straight web.

3. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein of one said reinforcing portions is a curved web.

4. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein of one said reinforcing portions is an angular web.

5. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein said elements are provided with weakened portions in the regions where said opposite ends of said opposite parallel lateral wall portions merge with the respective two pairs of end wall portions.

6. A grille as defined in claim 1, said elements each having two major sides; and further comprising a plate of at least translucent material overlying at least one of said major sides.

7. A grille as defined in claim 1, said elements having a peripheral hexagonal wall and two opposite major sides, and a substantially plate-shaped wall connected with said hexagonal wall and located in a plane substantially midway between said major sides.

8. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein said elements are of synthetic plastic foam material.

9. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein said elements have peripheral edge portions, and wherein said edge portions are provided with notches in the region of the respective recesses; said connecting means comprising projections which extend into the respective notches.

10. A grille as defined in claim 9, wherein said connecting means comprises connecting elements having a screw-threaded stem, a head portion and a nut portion on said stem; and wherein said projections are of one piece with at least one of said portions of said connecting elements.

11. A grille as defined in claim 9, wherein said connecting means comprises threaded connecting elements and washers which cooperate with the same, said projections being provided on said washers.

12. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said elements is further provided with additional outwardly open arcuate recesses in the regions of said two opposite parallel lateral wall portions which extend between and connect said two pairs of end wall portions.

13. A grille as defined in claim 12; and further comprising ornamental members extending inwardly of said two opposite parallel lateral wall portions in the region of said additional arcuate recesses.

14. A grille as defined in claim 12; further comprising a frame wherein said grille frame elements are accomodated; and coupling means for coupling said grille frame elements to said frame.

15. Agrille as defined in claim 14, wherein said coupling elements are brackets which embrace portions of said frame and are provided with arcuate recesses adapted to form with respective recesses of adjacent ones of said grille frame elements respective passages for accommodation of said connecting means. 

1. An ornamental grille, comprising a plurality of adjacent hexagonal grille frame elements located in a common plane, each of said grille frame elements consisting of a hexagonal wall composed of two opposite parallel lateral wall portions of predetermined length located at a distance from each other which is equal to said predetermined length, and two pairs of end wall portions at the opposite ends of said opposite parallel lateral wall portions, the end wall portions of each pair being of equal length and inclined towards each other and forming a right angle with each other, each of said hexagonal grille frame elements being provided at least at all six corners thereof with an arcuate recess which extends inwardly in direction of said hexagonal wall and which has an open side facing similar recesses in adjacenT ones of said elements defining with said similar recesses a passage through said ornamental grille; connecting means extending through the respective passages and connecting said adjacent elements together in an interlocked relationship forming said ornamental grille; and a plurality of ornamental reinforcing portions, each extending between respective ones of said adjacent end wall portions and reinforcing the latter, said reinforcing portions providing different aesthetic appearances depending upon the ways in which said frame elements are interlocked.
 2. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein of one said reinforcing portions is a straight web.
 3. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein of one said reinforcing portions is a curved web.
 4. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein of one said reinforcing portions is an angular web.
 5. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein said elements are provided with weakened portions in the regions where said opposite ends of said opposite parallel lateral wall portions merge with the respective two pairs of end wall portions.
 6. A grille as defined in claim 1, said elements each having two major sides; and further comprising a plate of at least translucent material overlying at least one of said major sides.
 7. A grille as defined in claim 1, said elements having a peripheral hexagonal wall and two opposite major sides, and a substantially plate-shaped wall connected with said hexagonal wall and located in a plane substantially midway between said major sides.
 8. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein said elements are of synthetic plastic foam material.
 9. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein said elements have peripheral edge portions, and wherein said edge portions are provided with notches in the region of the respective recesses; said connecting means comprising projections which extend into the respective notches.
 10. A grille as defined in claim 9, wherein said connecting means comprises connecting elements having a screw-threaded stem, a head portion and a nut portion on said stem; and wherein said projections are of one piece with at least one of said portions of said connecting elements.
 11. A grille as defined in claim 9, wherein said connecting means comprises threaded connecting elements and washers which cooperate with the same, said projections being provided on said washers.
 12. A grille as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said elements is further provided with additional outwardly open arcuate recesses in the regions of said two opposite parallel lateral wall portions which extend between and connect said two pairs of end wall portions.
 13. A grille as defined in claim 12; and further comprising ornamental members extending inwardly of said two opposite parallel lateral wall portions in the region of said additional arcuate recesses.
 14. A grille as defined in claim 12; further comprising a frame wherein said grille frame elements are accomodated; and coupling means for coupling said grille frame elements to said frame.
 15. A grille as defined in claim 14, wherein said coupling elements are brackets which embrace portions of said frame and are provided with arcuate recesses adapted to form with respective recesses of adjacent ones of said grille frame elements respective passages for accommodation of said connecting means. 